The planting of early potatoes has progressed well over the past week in Ireland with soils drying out well allowing for good planting conditions, according to the Irish Farmers Association’s (IFA) weekly potato report.
Retail trade is said to remain buoyant and similar to pre-pandemic levels. Reports indicate that the price of peeling material remains above €230/tonne.
Maincrop growers in Ireland are currently weighing up their options for this year’s plantings, costs of production remain top of the agenda.
Across Europe, it is reported that physical prices in the processing sector continue to improve and the fresh market remains “flat” but with prices edging higher. World Potato Markets reports that in Poland there have been price rises of up to 25% recently and there are predictions from other sources that the planted area next year could be down by as much as 15 to 20%.
In the U.K. early plantings are reported to be ahead of target now as conditions are ‘ideal’ in some regions after the late start to the programme. The indoor crop is looking very well and first lifting is planned at the end of the month.
Source: Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
Photo: Credit Catkin from Pixabay
